Ukraine and Czech Republic to Train F-16 Pilots Following Prime Ministers’ Meeting

Ukraine and the Czech Republic have announced a new phase of defense cooperation focused on the training of Ukrainian F-16 fighter jet pilots and support crews. The initiative was unveiled following a high-level meeting in Uzhhorod (the western part of Ukraine, Zakarpattia region) between Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and his Czech counterpart, Petr Fiala.

The Gaze reports on this with reference to European Pravda.

According to a joint statement released after the talks, the two governments have agreed to establish a comprehensive training framework covering F-16 pilots, other fixed-wing aircraft, helicopter crews, and ground support personnel. The program will include the development of advanced simulation facilities and joint training activities conducted both in Ukraine and the Czech Republic.

The agreement also envisions targeted modernization projects aimed at enhancing the capabilities of Ukraine’s technical and maintenance staff – a key component of sustaining Western aircraft systems over the long term.

Both politicians reaffirmed the need for sustained military, economic, financial, and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine amid Russia’s ongoing aggression. They also emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation between Ukrainian and Czech defense industries. This includes joint ventures, technology licensing, and collaboration in third-country markets, in alignment with the Czech Republic’s “Readiness 2030” strategic defense framework.

As The Gaze reported earlier, during a two-day official visit to the Czech Republic on May 3–4, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Czech President Petr Pavel announced a series of joint initiatives aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities and reinforcing European support for Kyiv, including the willingness to establish a dedicated Ukrainian-Czech F-16 training school.